Ask a number of people, “What is love?” Most will be unable to define “love,” even though nearly everyone uses the word virtually every day and often many times a day. Some people will respond with a blank stare, some with a quip (It’s like pornography; I know it when I see it.) Occasionally someone may say that, “The Bible tells you all about love in I Corinthians 13.” True, that passage does list the characteristics of love but, does not define it. Rarely does anyone get it right.
If you talk to any Christian for a few minutes on the subject of love, he/she will go on autopilot and somewhat mechanically refer you to 1 Corinthians 13. Since all Scripture is inspired, it’s great stuff. However, it is a post-graduate course in love that is seldom understood in a soul-deep, urgent, action-oriented sense, despite the thousands of sermons devoted to it. Just as some university courses have certain prerequisites, God’s graduate course in love also has prerequisites.
Very simply, “…God is love…” [1 John 4:16 KJV]. That’s it! Love is defined in just three little words, with no qualifiers. Now that does not sound very romantic does it? It certainly doesn’t sound very Hollywoodish. But there you have it in three simple words: God is love. The implications are profound. Love is the basis and driving force for ALL interpersonal relationships, including man-woman, parent-child, boss-employee, teacher-student, friend-friend, and neighbor-neighbor. The standout differences that distinctively set apart the marriage relationship include its intensity, depth, level of intimacy, and permanence. However, all relationships are built on love. Relationships grow to the extent that love grows; relationships weaken or terminate to the extent that love weakens. Love is so important to individuals, interpersonal relationships, and ultimately to cultures that a closer look is inescapable. What do you think?
Dr. Lloyd Stebbins 
Your answer to What is Love? is on point. I would like to add that an intrapersonal relationship thrives on love. Too often, we meet someone whom we suspect is filled with dislike and contempt for themselves. Love has perhaps not been modeled or sadder yet a framework for understanding these concepts has never been taught.
Although I presume that scientific data exists, I wonder how many embrace a ‘higher source’ as a framework for love? Learning and truly believing in your heart and soul that God is Love becomes a bit more difficult if you are not taught this at an early age in the home. Outside forces instill our self-worth is on only our successes. Too often this equates to guilt and shame. Many of us would benefit in a lesson of self forgiveness.
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Love is something that you respect is something earned it is something given with great respect ! something nurtured something just showing that you care and it’s the little things that you dofor example when someone’s hungry and you know they just too weak to feed themselves you take the time out and feed them . Another example when someone sad and blue you make him smile.
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You’ve summarized it well. Love is serving the needs of others unconditionally, without expecting anything in return. The ultimate source of all love is God. His infinite love simply passes through you on the way to someone else. What do you think?
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Interesting thoughts, Kay. Love is spiritual energy. Just as all physical (electromagnetic) energy comes from the sun, all spiritual energy comes from God. Even if two atheists claim a loving relationship, their love or spiritual energy comes from God; they just don’t give Him credit for it. Much more about this in an upcoming blog. Meanwhile, what do you think?
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